The City of Gosnells council has rejected an application for a club in Orange Grove catering to the Muslim community during a tense ordinary council meeting on November 10.
The club and caretakers dwelling was proposed to be built in Reservoir Road and would have consisted of a single storey building to accommodate weekly social functions, as well as gatherings for birthdays, weddings, funerals and the celebration of four religious festivals.
Information and integration sessions for new immigrants and refugees were also proposed usages for the building.
The proposal initially came before the council on May 26 but was rejected because it was not believed to be consistent with the rural zoning of the area.
At the time the city received more than 90 submissions opposing the application.
After an appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) the applicant reduced the scale and capacity of the proposal and the City of Gosnells council was asked to reconsider its previous decision, with city staff recommending approval.
About 100 people attended this week’s meeting with a number of Orange Grove residents voicing concerns about the impact the club would have on neighbouring residents.
An Orange Grove resident also questioned why it was called a club rather than a place of worship.
A Maddington resident spoke in favour of the club and said everyone had the right to a community centre.
“We have the right to social and recreational functions as a member of this local government community,” he said.
“Everyone else has this right so why don’t we have this right?”
Councillor Julie Brown foreshadowed an alternate motion for the council to reaffirm its original position and reject the motion.
Councillor Pierre Yang also foreshadowed an alternate motion for the council to take the proposal back to SAT along with the Orange Grove community’s opinions.
Councillor Glenn Dewhurst said the proposal was not suited to a quiet, rural area like Orange Grove and the applicant should find a different location.
“This has nothing to do with religion, we have the Sikh temple on Nicholson Road and it’s fabulous, we love it,” he said.
“Let’s find them another realistic alternative location.”
The council voted against the staff recommendation nine to three with councillors Dave Griffiths, Liz Storer and Ron Mitchell voting in favour.
Following the vote Mr Yang and Mr Mitchell said if the council rejected the application the matter would go back to SAT anyway and residents should have the chance to be consulted.
Ms Brown said there was no guarantee SAT would take public opinion on board.
Councillor David Goode said with more than 90 objections against the proposal, the public’s opinion on the matter was already known.
A vote on Ms Brown’s motion received six votes for and six against.
Mayor Olwen Searle voted to reject the application with the deciding vote.
